Paparemborde, Robert

▪ 2002

      French rugby player (b. July 5, 1948, Laruns, France—d. April 19, 2001, Paris, France), was a powerful prop forward and a mainstay of the national Rugby Union team that won the Five Nations championship in 1977, 1981 (both grand slams), and 1983. Known as the “bear of the Pyrenees,” Paparemborde represented France in 55 international matches (five as captain) between 1975 and 1983 and scored eight tries, a world record for a prop. After retiring as a player, he managed the French side (1984–92); coached Racing, which won the French club championship in 1990; and served as vice president of the French Rugby Union Federation (1991).

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